Leary will police ‘Crown’

Comedian joins Brosnan, Russo in remake

Actor-comedian Denis Leary (“The Ref”) has joined Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in United Artists’ remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” set to be helmed by John McTiernan.

In the update of the 1968 Steve McQueen-starrer, Brosnan stars as a millionaire playboy who, seeking new challenges, steals an invaluable painting by Cezanne and then strikes up a romance with a female investigator (Russo) who is on his trail. Leary will star as a New York cop who also is pursuing the mogul thief and falls in love with the investigator.

Pic was penned by Peter Doyle and Leslie Dixon & Kurt Wimmer. Brosnan is producing with Beau St. Clair through their MGM-based production banner, Irish DreamTime.

“Thomas Crown” is slated to begin production in September, on location in New York.

Leary’s recent credits include roles in “Small Soldiers,” the indie feature “Suicide Kings” and Barry Levinson’s political comedy “Wag the Dog.” His other credits include voice-work in the animated feature “This Bug’s Life”; and Ted Demme’s upcoming “Monument Ave.,” which Leary also co-produced.